17th June, 2025

The 1st Assembly of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

The 1st assembly of the IBCA convened in New Delhi, endorsed the India's Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate
Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, as the President of IBCA.
The Assembly of the IBCA serves as its apex decision-making body and is convened at least once every 2 years.
About IBCA
Wildlife
It is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 95 big cat Big Cat Species IUCN Status CITES Status
Protection Act
range countries, non-range countries with an interest in big
Tiger Endangered Appendix I Schedule 1
cat conservation. Panthera tigris
These Big Cats include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow
Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar & Puma. (refer to table) Lion Vulnerable Appendix I Schedule 1
Panthera leo
Genesis: Launched in April 2023 (occasion of 50 years of
India's Project Tiger) Leopard Vulnerable Appendix I Schedule 1
Main Goal: To foster collaboration and synergy by Panthera pardus

establishing a platform dedicated to sharing best practices

Snow Leopard Vulnerable Appendix I Schedule 1
in big cat conservation. Panthera uncia
Founding Members (16): Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Cheetah Vulnerable Appendix I Schedule 1
Acinonyx jubatus
Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Suriname, & Uganda.
India is the host country & Secretariat for the IBCA. Jaguar Near Threatened Appendix I Not found in India
Panthera onca
Significance of protecting big cats & their habitats
Protects Biodiversity: As Keystone species big cats balance
Puma Least Concern Appendix I Not found in India
ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity. Puma concolor

Climate Change Mitigation: Protecting big cat habitats

safeguards forests, water sources, and carbon sinks, aiding in climate change mitigation.
Supports economy: Providing livelihood opportunities and promoting ecotourism.

The 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) Concluded in Geneva

The International Labour Conference is the annual meeting of the International Labour Organization.
Key Highlights
Adopted Biological Hazards in the Working Environment Convention, Global Coalition for Social Justice
2025 (Convention No. 192): The 1st international instrument
The 2nd edition of the Global Coalition for Social
specifically addressing biological hazards in the working environment.
Justice annual forum took place on the side
It calls on Member States to formulate national policies & adopt lines of the 113th ILC in Geneva.
measures on occupational safety and health that include the
prevention and protection against biological hazards. It is an initiative of the ILO, launched in 2023.
It aims to bring together global, regional,
Approved Amendment to Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC):
and national actors to advance social justice
The changes call for the right to shore leave and repatriation, and call
through policy and action coherence.
for recognizing seafarers as key workers.
MLC is a binding international law for ensuring minimum working
and living standards for all seafarers on ships. India ratified the MLC in 2015.
Decent Work in the Platform Economy: It held its 1st standard-setting discussion on decent work in the platform economy, an
important step toward improving rights and conditions for digital platform workers.
Resolution on Reducing Informality: ILC adopted a Resolution to reduce informality and support the transition to formal work.
The resolution calls for urgent action to improve working conditions, extend social protection, and create decent jobs,
especially for those most affected by informality.
Other: Formal approval was given to the ILO’s tripartite contribution to the Second World Summit for Social Development, set
for November 2025 in Doha.

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 Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2025 Warns of a New Nuclear
Arms Race
Key Findings
Global Nuclear Stockpile Decline: Since the end of the Cold Initiatives to Contain Nuclear Proliferation
War, the number of retired warheads has exceeded new
deployments. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 1970
Partial Test Ban Treaty 1963
Bans nuclear weapon tests in
Countries Expanding Stockpile: China is expanding fastest, Only Binding treaty with goal of disarmament atmosphere, Outer space
and underwater
India, Isreal, and Pakistan never joined
with its stockpile now at least 600 warheads. North Korea withdrew in 2003 India Signed and ratified

India’s arsenal increased from 172 to 180 warheads, more

than Pakistan's (170). Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT) 1996
Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear
Weapons (TPNW) 2017
Modernisation: In 2024, all 9 nuclear-armed countries Bans all nuclear explosions (military & Comprehensive prohibitions on
peaceful) nuclear weapon activities
continued to modernise their arsenals. India did not sign India did not sign

Status of Fissile Materials: The explosive material utilized

in nuclear weapons is fissile material, either highly enriched New START Treaty 2011
Bilateral nuclear arms control treaty
uranium (HEU) or separated plutonium. Between Russia and the United States

China, and Pakistan have produced both HEU and plutonium

for use in their nuclear weapons.
1963 1970 1996 2011 2017
India and Israel have produced mainly plutonium. PTBT NPT CTBT New START TPNW

Emerging Threats:
Modern Technologies: The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), cyber capabilities, space assets, missile
defence and quantum are radically creating potential sources of instability.
Arms control in crisis: While New START remains in force until early 2026, there are no signs of negotiations to renew or
replace it.

DRDO & IIT Delhi Achieve Quantum Entanglement-Based Free-Space Communication

The free-space quantum secure communication was demonstrated over a distance of ~1 km via a free-space optical link.
ISRO demonstrated 1st free-space QKD over 300m in 2021.
About the experiment
It was part of the ‘Design and development of photonic technologies for free space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)’ of DRDO.
The experiment exhibited a very low quantum bit error rate (QBER) of less than 7%.
QBER is the error between the information sent and received and an indicator of the probability of eavesdropping.
It paves the way for real-time applications in quantum
cybersecurity, long-distance QKD, and the future
quantum internet.
What is QKD?
Communication Technology: It is a Quantum
Communication technology based on quantum
mechanics, that is, quantum entanglement and
cryptography.
Quantum mechanics explains how extremely small
objects simultaneously have the characteristics of
both particles and waves (a disturbance or variation
that transfers energy).
♦ Physicists call this the “wave-particle duality.”
Key Principles:
Quantum entanglement: Particles of the same
origin, which were once connected, always stay connected, even when separated by vast distances.
Quantum cryptography: encryption to secure and transmit data in a way that cannot be hacked.

Benefits of Entanglement-Based QKD

Functionality: Secure key distribution even if devices are compromised or imperfect.
Detection of eavesdropping: Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons disturbs the quantum state.
Free-space QKD: No need for expensive fibre-optic cables—ideal for tough terrain and dense cities.

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 The Prime Minister of India Visits Cyprus after 23 years

During the visit both countries signed a Joint Declaration on the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership.
The Indian PM was also conferred with Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’.
Key Highlights of the Joint Declaration
Both countries reaffirmed their support BLACK
SEA
for a rules-based international order,
grounded in the UN Charter.
Both expressed their strong commitment
TURKIYE
to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts GREECE
to achieve a comprehensive & lasting
settlement of the Cyprus Question.
Cyprus expressed strong support for
India against cross-border terrorism, NICOSIA SYRIA
condemned the recent Pahalgam terrorist CYPRUS LEBANON
attack. MEDITERRANEAN
Significance of Cyprus for India SEA IRAQ
ISRAEL
To counter the growing Turkey-Pakistan
JORDAN
axis & support India's broader strategy to
isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
Turkey supported Pakistan on Kashmir
issue, and backed Pakistan during SAUDI
ARABIA
Operation Sindoor. EGYPT
Gateway to Europe: Cyprus forms part of
the energy corridor & strengthens East-
West connectivity through India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
FDI: Cyprus is among the top 10 investors in India with cumulative investments of USD 14.65 Billion during 2000 –2025.
Enhanced India-EU Relations: As Cyprus is set to hold the rotating presidency of EU Council in 2026. Cyprus can play a pivotal
role in advocating for India’s interests within the bloc.
Other: Supports India for permanent seat at UNSC, Nuclear Suppliers Group etc.

Cyprus Question/Problem
Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located close to Turkey and Syria.
It is a member of the European Union (EU) despite being geographically in Asia.
It got independence from the British in 1960; however Since 1974 Cyprus has been divided between Turkiye-backed
Northern Cyprus and Republic of Cyprus. It is known as Cyprus Question/problem.
India supports a bi-zonal bicommunal federation based on UN Resolutions as a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Also In News

Census 2027 Cyber Suraksha

The Registrar General of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Defence Cyber Agency of the Ministry of Defence begins Cyber
has notified that the Census will be held in 2027. Suraksha exercise.
The notification was published under the Census Act, 1948. About Cyber Suraksha Exercise
Key Highlights of Census 2027 It is a comprehensive
To be conducted in 2 phases: Cybersecurity Exercise
to bolster national cyber
Phase I – House Listing (HLO)
resilience.
Phase II – Population Enumeration (PE)
The exercise is designed to
Include Caste enumeration as well. simulate real-world cyber
Conducted through digital means, using mobile applications. threats, for providing
Provision of self-enumeration would also be made available to targeted training sessions.
the people.

AHMEDABAD | BENGALURU | BHOPAL | CHANDIGARH | DELHI | GUWAHATI | HYDERABAD | JAIPUR | JODHPUR | LUCKNOW | PRAYAGRAJ | PUNE | RANCHI 3/4
 WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases Switch Auction

The World Health Assembly (WHA) of WHO unanimously passed a In a government switch auction conducted for a notified amount of
resolution titled “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority.” ₹25,000 crore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted approximate-
About the Resolution ly ₹ 9,000 crore.
Need: About Switch Auction
Widespread Impact: Skin diseases affect 1.9 billion people Genesis: Began in 2019 by the RBI on behalf of the Government
globally. of India.
Neglected Area: Often underfunded and overlooked,
especially in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To manage the maturity profile of public debt by
Supported by: International League of Dermatologic Societies replacing short-term securities with longer-dated ones.
(ILDS), the world’s largest dermatology alliance. Mechanism: Market participants sell source securities to
Key provisions the Government of India and simultaneously buy destination
Provides for Global Action Plan to establish a framework for securities at quoted prices.
Prevention, Early detection, Effective treatment, Long-term The process is executed through the e-Kuber portal via the
care of skin diseases. Switch Transaction module.
Calls for dedicated health investment, Benefits: Enhances debt sustainability, Bond Market development,
Supports expansion of research, surveillance and data etc.
collection.

Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) Achal

PM-WANI Scheme
Fifth FPV Achal built by Goa Shipyard Ltd Launched for Indian Coast
TRAI releases Telecommunication Tariff Order 2025 on Tariff for re- Guard (ICG)
tail broadband connectivity for PDOs under PM-WANI Scheme. It is the fifth FPV in a series of eight.
About Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) About FPV Achal
Scheme Its primary role includes protection, monitoring, control,
It was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in surveillance and safeguarding offshore assets and island
2020. territories.
Aim: To enhance the proliferation of public WiFi hotspots to It is designed and constructed under stringent dual-class
create robust digital communications infrastructure in the country, certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and Indian
especially in rural areas. Register of Shipping.
It is aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence
The scheme encourages local shops and establishments to manufacturing with 60% indigenous contents.
provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery.
They do not require a license or charge a registration fee.
Rinderpest

Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD),
Bhopal recognized as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by
the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and UN FAO.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs launches Largest Tribal Empowerment ICAR-NIHSAD is a research institute on exotic & emerging
Campaign. pathogens of animals, & WOAH reference laboratory for avian
About Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan influenza.
Under it, nationwide benefit saturation camps are being About Rinderpest (Cattle Plague)
conducted at the village & habitation level to provide access to It is a contagious viral disease affecting clovenhoofed animals
critical entitlements and government services. (mainly cattle & buffalo).
E.g. Adhaar Card Enrolments and Updates. Caused by: A virus of the Paramyxoviridae family, genus
It is a key initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, which honors Morbillivirus.
the legacy, culture, & contribution of India’s tribal communities. Severity: Spread by effective contact (does not affect humans)
It embodies the principles of last-mile delivery, people’s and may also lead to death.
participation (Janbhagidari) & dignified tribal empowerment Infected animals on recovery acquire lifetime immunity.
under the larger umbrellas of PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba This is the second infectious disease to have been eradicated
Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. from the world after smallpox.

Samarth Program

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) provided grants to 18 startups under its ‘Samarth’
Program.
C-DOT is the Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
About Samarth Program
It is a cutting-edge Startup Incubation Program of C-DOT for development of India’s telecommunications
& IT sectors.
It aids in access to Startup grants (up to 5 lakh/ startup), world-class infrastructure, expert mentorship,
networking etc.
Implementation Partner: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) & TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs).
STPI is a premier S&T organization under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

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